Kobe Paras has left the University of the Philippines (UP), ending his tenure as a Fighting Maroon after one season.
The 23-year-old college standout has decided to bring his talents to the U.S. to train for East West Private (EWP).
Kobe's latest move adds another chapter to his colorful basketball career, which saw him play both internationally and here at home.
With the move, Kobe will join 7-foot-3 center Kai Sotto, Ateneo's LeBron Lopez, and other talented Fil-foreigner players under EWP's stable.
“In the past few weeks, Kobe and I had discussed lengthily about his various opportunities amidst this lingering pandemic situation. His commitment in helping out our program has gone beyond our initial agreement of him playing for us for one or two seasons depending on what will come his way after each season,” said UP head coach Bo Perasol in a statement.
“He was unwavering in his commitment to play for another season last year. In fact, he was still committed for another season, if we play it this year.”
Perasol added, “However, we are both unsure and not so hopeful that college basketball will resume this year. It is in this backdrop that we agreed that he has to pursue his other opportunities.”
With that said, we take a look at Kobe's hoop journey throughout the years.
Kobe has been exposed to basketball at an early age. His father, Benjie Paras, was a two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP), a Rookie of the Year, and a four-time champion in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Kobe played for the Cathedral High School in Los Angeles for the school's basketball squad, the Phantoms.
A conflict in the academic years in the Philippines and the U.S. prompted Kobe to play for Middlebrooks Academy in his senior year.
Kobe also for a time played for the La Salle Greenhills here in the Philippines.
It was reported in 2015 that Kobe was set to play for the Bruins basketball team of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Kobe eventually pulled out after failing to meet the school's academic requirements.
Kobe bounced back strong, this time playing for the Creighton Bluejays of Creighton University in 2016.
Kobe did well for the team and was a big help on both ends of the floor.
He, however, withdrew from the school in 2017 due to playing time concerns.
Kobe initially committed to Cal State Northridge in 2017. The young Paras though had a change of heart and withdrew from the team without playing a single game.
Kobe also represented the Philippines in various phases of his young career.
He played at the 2013 SEABA Under-16 Championship and the 2014 FIBA Asia Under-18 Championship.
Kobe played at the 2017 William Jones Cup and the 2017 Southeast Asian Games.
Kobe also represented the Philippines at the 2013, 2015 FIBA 3x3 Under-18 World Championship, and 2017 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.
It was announced in 2018 that Kobe will join the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
Kobe's dad, Benjie, played for UP and was instrumental in helping the school win the UAAP championship in 1986.
Kobe's arrival was met with great anticipation not just from the UP community but by all basketball fans.
The high-flying forward didn't disappoint and averaged 16.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in Season 82 of the UAAP.
Kobe helped the Fighting Maroons finish the eliminations with a 9-5 win-loss record, clinching the second seed and a twice-to-beat advantage against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers.
UP, unfortunately, fell short in the playoffs and failed to make a return trip to the finals.
With the 2021 UAAP season canceled, Kobe decided to forego his final year of eligibility to play for UP and fly instead to the U.S. to train under East West Private (EWP).
EWP is based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is the same team handling young 7'1” Filipino center Kai Sotto, Ateneo standout LeBron Lopez and other up-and-coming Fil-foreigner players.
“Let tomorrow be your second chance to prove that you are better than today and yesterday. Welcome to the family Kobe!” EWP posted on Instagram.
Kobe's latest decision means that he is once again pursuing his dream to play basketball internationally, and hopefully in the NBA.